Saturday December 15 5:00 pm Eileen Horan and Paulette Greco

Sunday December 16

7:30 am Deceased members of the Lepore Family and

Bob, Joan and Kevin Lanigan

9:00 am Deceased members of the Leonett Family and

Deborah Cearfoss

11:00 am Thomas White and Harold J. Rourke

5:00 pm Deceased members of the Fallon Family

Monday December 17

8:00 am Jim Tunny

Tuesday December 18

8:00 am Phillip and Nicolina Errico

Wednesday December 19

8:00 am Jim Tunny

Thursday December 20

8:00 am Carmine & Pam Errico and

Madeline & William Lally

Friday December 21

8:00 am Peter Simonson and James Connor

Saturday December 22

8:00 am Mary Harris

5:00 pm Peter Coviello, Mary Cangemi and Paul J. Burke

Sunday December 23

7:30 am Elizabeth Cataldo and Joseph Lucas

9:00 am Nick Marconi

11:00 am Bruce Scullion, Pam Duddy and Jane Flynn

5:00 pm Thomas DeQuinzio

Weekly Memorials

The Lamp burning before the Blessed Sacrament the week

of December 16th is in memory of Mike Vogt and James Moore

given by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Vogt.

The Candles on the altar the week of December 16th are in

memory of deceased members of the Women of Mary.

The Flowers on the altar the week of December 16th are in

memory of Michael, Louise, and Gregory Chupka and Natalie

and Edward Greenwood given by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Chupka.

Hear our Prayers for those who are ill especially Anthony

LaFerrara, Neiko Pagaling, Carmela Cecere, Mike Mulane, Evey

Staromano, Caroline Palluzzi, Mary Cecere, Josh Crucilla, Bob

Moore, Patrick Duffy, Jeanette Piontek, Morgan Plisky, Frank

Scherer, Jane Cunningham, Erlinda Ruzol, Jack Meeks, Michael

Hare, Robert Murphy, Dinah Villanueva, Theresa Padula, Anna

Burns, Joseph Crucilla, Roe Pucci and for all our deceased espe-

cially John DeLeo, Pawel Stryszak and the Most Reverend

Frank J. Rodimer.

Monday, December 17

Meditation: 7 pm; Church

Tuesday, December 18

St. Patrick School Band Concert: 7 pm; Gym

Wednesday, December 19

Parish Nurse Meeting: 7 pm; North Room

Thursday, December 20

Marian Prayer Meeting: 10 am; North Room

Sunday, December 23

RCIA: 12:15 pm; South Room

THIS WEEK AT THE PARISH

Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a

Micah speaks of the ruler who will come from Bethlehem. He

discusses how the people of Israel will be saved from corruption

and live in peace.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10

Paul describes to the Hebrews how Jesus came into the world

and offered to do God’s will. We were saved through his sacri-

fice, the only offering sufficient for the sins of the world.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary paid a visit to Elizabeth, whose baby stirred in her womb

upon hearing Mary’s greeting. Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spir-

it, cried out, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the

fruit of your womb.” Elizabeth was deeply overjoyed that the

words God had spoken to Mary had now been fulfilled.

Mass Schedule December 22nd & 23rd

Fr. Bob Sunday 9 am, Deacon Mark Homily

Sunday 5 pm, Deacon Andrew Homily

Fr. Kamil Saturday 5 pm, Deacon Joe Homily

Sunday 7:30 am, Deacon Mark Homily

Sunday 11 am, Deacon Andrew Homily

Reconciliation December 23rd Fr. Kamil Saturday 4:00 - 4:30 pm

BAPTISM: Arrangements should be made one month in advance by calling Deacon Joe Wisneski at 973-635-4976. Parents are

expected to attend an instructional session with a Baptism Team. Baptisms are celebrated at 12:30 pm Sundays.

RCIA-RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The R.C.I.A. invites non-baptized persons and those baptized into another

faith to participate in a faith journey in preparation for becoming a Catholic. If you are interested in any aspect of R.C.I.A., please

email Deb at Dkuzma@st-pats.org or call her at the parish office at ext. 153.

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY: Congratulations! In order that we can together plan for your big day, couples should notify the

Church and begin to prepare at least one year in advance of the date. Please email Fr. Bob at Fr.Bob@st-pats.org or call Fr. Bob at

the parish office ext. 152.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOME BOUND: If a family member or someone you know is recuperating from a hospital stay or is

homebound for any length of time and would like to receive Holy Communion, please let us know. It is a priority for the parish com-

munity to support and be present to those who cannot be with us for the celebration of the Eucharist. If you would like a priest or

deacon to visit a family member who is hospitalized, contact Peggy at Pgentile@st-pats.org or call her at the parish office ext. 155.

SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Please call the parish office at 973-635-0625 to arrange for a priest.

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST: Children preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First

Eucharist begin preparation in first grade. To register, visit our website at www.st-pats.org.

St. Patrick Church

Advent: Jesus is Coming

A Faith Formation Catechist had just concluded her lesson and wanted to make sure she had made her point so she asked the class the following question. “Can anyone tell me what you must do before you can obtain forgiveness of sin?” There was a short pause and then, from the back of the room, a small boy spoke up. “Sin,” he said.

This week we light the Third Candle on the Advent Wreath which stirs up the thought that Advent is soon to end, and Christ-

mas is near. Unlike the first two weeks of the season where a purple candle was lighted, the color for the Third Week in Advent is pink or rose, which signifies joy. This Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday which invites us to rejoice in the Lord. Since the church is at the half way point of the Advent Season, joy comes to us from the Blessed Mother who is instilled with joyful anticipation in readying herself for the birth of a child; however, there are many people in life who have a difficult time finding joy in the world today. This chal-lenges most of us to ponder the circumstances and events that bring joy into our world. Perhaps it begins in ways we ready ourselves to be reconciled with God and neighbor during Advent so that the anticipated joy that is promised becomes real in our lives.

The Gospel for Gaudete Sunday comes from Luke who brings to light the wonder of who is to be the Messiah. The evange-

list puts the answer on the lips of John the Baptist to say, “One mightier than I is coming.” He calls forth those who hear his message of conversion by way of acts that are generous, kind and compassionate. He states that good attitudes must be translated into good habits and behavior; therefore he announces the urgency of conversion in that his statements call us to deepened responsibility. For-giveness of self and others is perhaps one of the most important virtues to exhibit during the Advent Season. The Lebanese-Canadian author, speaker, and educator Nawab Zambian once wrote, “Today I decided to forgive you. Not because you apologized, or because you acknowledged the pain that you caused me, but because my soul deserves peace.” This is so true in all our lives. Anytime hurt seems personal, most people have a burdensome time attempting to let go, which only leads to an extension of hurt and pain; yet, life implants into us the fact that the joy of Christ’s peace enters our lives, and enables us to learn from past experiences to welcome a new beginning in the aftermath of reconciliation.

As Jesus’ birth was preceded by years of anticipation, the parish once again has received the “Peace Light” that came to us

from Boy Scout, Luka Batljan. This is a flame that was lighted at the grotto in Bethlehem and carried in two blast proof miners lamps from Tel Aviv to Vienna, Austria where it was distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe who transport it back to their lands with a message of peace for their countries. Austrian Airlines flies the miners’ lamps containing the Peace Light to JFK Airport where Luka Batljan accepts the light for transportation to Chatham so that St. Patrick Church as well as other Christian communities receive the flame which now sits in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel. At our Christmas Eve 11:00 p.m. liturgy we will begin in darkness with all in the assembly receiving a candle lighted from a flame that comes from the Peace Candle, which is also used to light the luminaries that surround the church on Christmas Eve. Since the spirit of Christmas maintains power to transform lifestyles with joy through unexplored activities, the peace light prevents the spirit of Christmas from getting lost or forgotten in the aftermath of Christmas Day.

In your celebration of the Third Sunday in Advent, ponder some of your relationships in life; especially those that are highly

significant as well as those that have lost its original meaning or purpose. How can you show greater appreciation for those you live and work with every day? How may you restore other relationships to what they were meant to be? “May you follow in the words of our Second Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians in today’s liturgy, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again rejoice!” In Christ’s love, Fr. Bob

Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018

Parish Support-December 9, 2018

THIS WEEK’S OFFERING ………..……...…………$12,039

LAST YEAR’S OFFERING………………...…...…....$18,055

Welcome New Parishioners

A warm St. Patrick welcome to those new to our parish especially

Scott, Amy, Aggie and Minnie Nuzzo. We look forward to

getting to know you!

Advent Happenings at St. Patrick Parish

Private Reconciliation Mondays 7-8 pm in the Church

Saturdays 4-4:30 pm in the Church

(Please visit our website for priest schedule.)

Concert

St. Patrick School Band

Tuesday, December 18 - 7 pm in the Fr. Ed Center gym

During the liturgical season of Advent, St. Patrick Parish will have

a priest available on Monday nights from 7 pm - 8 pm in the

Church to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The priests’

celebrant schedule can be found on our website. All are invited to

take advantage of celebrating this sacrament especially during

the Advent and Lenten Seasons.

Marriage Renewal - Save the Date!

Join us for a beautiful evening with friends for a Marriage Re-

newal and Candlelight Dinner as we celebrate our marriag-

es on Saturday, February 9, 2019. More details to follow!

This year, a Jesse Tree has been placed in the church. The Jes-

se Tree is a very old Christmas Tradition that first started in me-

dieval times. The Jesse tree helped tell the story of the Bible

from creation to the Christmas Story...A shoot will come up from

the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. If

you would like to know more about the Jesse Tree and its sym-

bolism, please take a flyer from the basket beside the tree.

“WE STILL DO” ministry is…In search of a photographer will-

ing to volunteer their time and talent to help us capture the

magic at a beautiful, fun-filled marriage renewal candlelit dinner

on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from about 7 pm-8pm. Photog-

rapher would gain advertising exposure at the event. Please

contact Kirsten at kirstywill@hotmail.com or 347-401-4458.

Advent Novena Masses in Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Parish in Chatham Township, NJ will be hosting the Filipino tradition of Advent Novena Masses from December 15-23, 2018 at 7:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend the Eu-charist that will be in English. Please invite your friends and family to join as a spiritual offering in anticipation for the birth of Our Lord. For any questions, please contact Fr. Lem at lcamacho@corpuschristi.org

St. Patrick Church invites you to its

First Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser! Sponsored by USA Wine Traders Club

Friday, February 1, 2019

7pm - 10pm Fr. Ed Center

Hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and wines from around the world

Tickets will be sold after mass on January 5 & 6 or at the

parish office.

If you are a restaurant or caterer and would like to donate a signature dish to the event, please contact Blair Pack at 908-672-6709 or packblair@gmail.com

Online Givers: Did you know? There are two ways you

can make a Christmas donation to St. Pat’s. The first way is to

donate through your online giving account. The second way is

to pick up a Christmas donation envelope located at the doors

of the church. Be sure to write your name and address on the

envelope! Thank you for your support and generosity to St.

Patrick Parish!

Are you seeking a parish community in which to pray, to

learn and to be of service to others? Our doors and hearts

are open to you-Welcome! Contact Peggy Gentile at the

parish offices for additional information at 973-635-0625 ext.

155.

Making your list and checking it twice? If you are shopping

for Christmas gifts and are purchasing items from Amazon, re-

member to shop AmazonSmile to support St. Patrick Parish.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to

support St. Patrick’s every time you shop, at no cost to you.

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact

same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping expe-

rience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will

donate 0.5% of the purchase price to St. Patrick Parish. To

shop at AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com from the

web browser on your computer or mobile device. Type St. Pat-

ricks Chatham in the search box. Select St. Patrick Church in

Chatham from the list. It’s that easy! Thank you!

Do twice the good with your donation!

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage em-

ployees to contribute to charitable organizations. If your company

offers a matching gift program, please consider St. Patrick Church

for your matching gift. Fill out the form from your human resources

area; if you need help, tax identification information or our 501c3

forms, please contact Colleen Sofronas, 973-635-0625 ext. 159 or

csofronas@st-pats.org. Thank you for helping St. Patrick Church

to fulfill our mission to serve.

SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL

JOIN US! St. Patrick School Band Christmas Concert Mark your calendars to attend the St. Patrick School annual Band Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. Di-rected by Ms. Martha Boughner, SPS invites parents, grandpar-ents, friends and parishioners to come and watch the band play classic and contemporary holiday favorites that will leave your toes tapping! St. Patrick School Is Offering Transfer Grants Considering a change for your child’s educational experience? St. Patrick School invites families with children currently enrolled in non-Catholic schools to consider the benefits of our Parish school environment where Gospel values are combined with National Blue Ribbon and STEM certified academics every day. Transfer grants are available to new students entering in grades 1 through 7, coming from public, charter or home schools. Curious? Email admissions@st-pats.org or call 973-635-4623 to learn more or to schedule a tour! Join St. Patrick School Every Wednesday Did you know St. Patrick School is ONE of only FOUR CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE NATION to be nationally STEM certified? Is that the kind of education you want for YOUR child? Learn more at Walk-In Wednesdays – stop by St. Patrick School any Wednesday between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. for a personal tour. Can’t make Wednesdays? Call 973-635-4623 or email admissions@st-pats.org to schedule a time that works for you and your family!

YOUTH MINISTRY

This Week in Youth Ministry

Spring Action Team Meeting: Mon., Dec. 17; 7-9:30 pm; YMC

Winter Antioch Team Meeting: Tues., Dec. 18; 7-9:30 pm;

At St. Vincents

Spring Antioch Team Meeting: Wed., Dec. 19; 7-9:30 pm;

At St. Vincents

Upcoming Service

Food Pantry Restock: Sat., Jan. 19; 8:30-10:15 am

Cooking Chili for Eva’s: Sat., Jan. 26; 9 am-12 pm; Kitchen

FAITH FORMATION

Faith Formation Classes January 2019

Grades K-6

Sunday, January 6 & Monday, January 7

Sunday, January 13 & Monday, January 14

Grade 7 Grade 8

Sunday, January 13 Sunday, January 6

The 7th grade retreat facilitated by 7th grade catechists and

members of our St. Patrick Youth Ministry will be held on Sun-

day, February 3, 2019 from 8 am until noon.

The Respect Life Committee Save the Date - March for Life

Please save the date for the bus trip to this year’s March for Life in Washington, DC on January 18, 2019. Join your fellow parishioners in standing up for the right to life for every human being, born and un-

born. For more information, contact Brian McAuliffe at 973-634-7384.

Morris Country Right to Life invites you to join them on Saturday, December 22 from 10-11 am to sing Christmas Carols in front of Planned Parenthood in Morristown. For more information, contact info@morriscountryrighttolife.org.

Congratulations to the 88 children who celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation on November 30 or December 1!

Erik Abseck, Celia Adragna, Ellie Anderson, Ava Azzinaro, Nolan Barnes, Hailey Bastidas, Ava Bell, Grace Boler, Siena Bushell,

Quinn Byrne, Lilianna Carrano, Vivianna Carrano, Christina Castelblanco, Piper Chapple, Luke Cincotta, Felix Cook, Russell Cooper,

Grace Costa, Olivia Costa, Elizabeth Cullen, Sean Curtis, Leo DeTraglia, Luke Dunn, Ryan Ebben, George Engelkraut, Jack Fagan,

Tobias Farelo, Anasofia Farelo, Ryan Fedyna, Henry Ferro, Meadow Blu Fleming, Brigid Flynn, Michael Giacopelli, Daniel Gilmore,

Lucas Golio, Ava Greeves, Daniel-Edward Guralchuk, Owen Hefferon, Avery Hodges, Alexandra Horwitz, William Johnson, Bridget

Kang, William Kean, Jared Kearney, Max Keltz, Alexandra Khawand, Liam Leahy, Gabriella Limone, Henry Loatman, Sierra

Mariconda, Riley Matter, Patrick McBride, Kelsey McGowan, Reilly Mcveigh, Thomas Mierkiewicz, Matthew Monks, Bennett Nettune,

Evan Perez, Delaney Pignatello, Gabriel Pinguil, Stephen Polefko, Brady Rasmuson, Tessa Reali, Erin Rodgers, Liam Rourke, Elena

Russo, Payton Sachs, Mason Sachs, Mariam Schedlbauer, Harrison Sheehan, Katie Sherer, Claire Shrekgast, Mary Kate

Shrekgast, Jane Shuster, Ellis Sobers, Rachel Sterling, Henry Stoll, Patrick Struening, Connor Thomas, Ella Tiedeken, Gabriela

Vargas, Sebastian Vargas, Carlos Vargas, Cristina Blake Visentini, Julia Voelker, Lucas Voytus, Layla Wells-Roth, Robert Salvo